Another Newbie

[KJJ]

Hi,

I’m new to the forum and have recently been diagnosed with type 2.

I have not been feeling myself for a while now, I suspected it could be diabetes over a year ago but my doctor ordered blood tests and they came back normal. Again 6 months later I was still having symptoms again my bloods were normal.

How did they not find it?

My symptoms got worse so I went to see my doctor a couple of weeks ago, she ordered a fasting blood test and sure enough 5 days later I was told over the phone.

Although I was half expecting it to be; I was still feeling shocked and a bit emotional. I am disappointed I have let my health become this way.

I have to be strong for my family, my 17 month old daughter and my Wife and I can’t afford to feel sorry for myself or feel negative emotions.

I am now feeling quite positive about the healthy life style changes I am starting to adapt, as yet I am not missing the un-healthy foods.

I am quite overweight and was one for saying "at the end of the month I will start to diet" it never happened. Well now I see this as a positive kick start in getting there.

So far brought my glucose levels down from 16 to about 8 – 9 and lost 7lbs in weight, so it seems to be going the right way.

My job involves sitting at a computer all day so I don’t get exercise other than walking to the car, that’s now changed. I make a point of walking each evening, building up distance gradually. I plan to start more exercise as I become fitter.

I know this is for life now, I need to keep this up and enjoy keeping it up.

Regards,
Ken.

 

[Andy12345]

hi, welcome


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[daisy1]

Hi Ken and welcome to the forum

You are making a good start looking after yourself now you have been diagnosed. Here is the information we give to new members and I hope you will find it helpful. Ask all the questions you like and someone will answer you.


BASIC INFORMATION FOR NEWLY DIAGNOSED DIABETICS

Diabetes is the general term to describe people who have blood that is sweeter than normal. A number of different types of diabetes exist.

A diagnosis of diabetes tends to be a big shock for most of us. It’s far from the end of the world though and on this forum you’ll find well over 70,000 people who are demonstrating this.

On the forum we have found that with the number of new people being diagnosed with diabetes each day, sometimes the NHS is not being able to give all the advice it would perhaps like to deliver - particularly with regards to people with type 2 diabetes.

The role of carbohydrate

Carbohydrates are a factor in diabetes because they ultimately break down into sugar (glucose) within our blood. We then need enough insulin to either convert the blood sugar into energy for our body, or to store the blood sugar as body fat.

If the amount of carbohydrate we take in is more than our body’s own (or injected) insulin can cope with, then our blood sugar will rise.

The bad news

Research indicates that raised blood sugar levels over a period of years can lead to organ damage, commonly referred to as diabetic complications.

The good news

People on the forum here have shown that there is plenty of opportunity to keep blood sugar levels from going too high. It’s a daily task but it’s within our reach and it’s well worth the effort.

Controlling your carbs

The info below is primarily aimed at people with type 2 diabetes, however, it may also be of benefit for other types of diabetes as well.
There are two approaches to controlling your carbs:

• Reduce your carbohydrate intake
• Choose ‘better’ carbohydrates

Reduce your carbohydrates

A large number of people on this forum have chosen to reduce the amount of carbohydrates they eat as they have found this to be an effective way of improving (lowering) their blood sugar levels.

The carbohydrates which tend to have the most pronounced effect on blood sugar levels tend to be starchy carbohydrates such as rice, pasta, bread, potatoes and similar root vegetables, flour based products (pastry, cakes, biscuits, battered food etc) and certain fruits.

Choosing better carbohydrates

Another option is to replace ‘white carbohydrates’ (such as white bread, white rice, white flour etc) with whole grain varieties. The idea behind having whole grain varieties is that the carbohydrates get broken down slower than the white varieties –and these are said to have a lower glycaemic index.
http://www.diabetes.co.uk/food/diabetes ... rains.html

The low glycaemic index diet is often favoured by healthcare professionals but some people with diabetes find that low GI does not help their blood sugar enough and may wish to cut out these foods altogether.

Read more on carbohydrates and diabetes

Eating what works for you

Different people respond differently to different types of food. What works for one person may not work so well for another. The best way to see which foods are working for you is to test your blood sugar with a glucose meter.

To be able to see what effect a particular type of food or meal has on your blood sugar is to do a test before the meal and then test after the meal. A test 2 hours after the meal gives a good idea of how your body has reacted to the meal.

The blood sugar ranges recommended by NICE are as follows:

Blood glucose ranges for type 2 diabetes

• Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
• 2 hours after meals: under 8.5 mmol/l

Blood glucose ranges for type 1 diabetes (adults)

• Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/l
• 2 hours after meals: under 9 mmol/l

Blood glucose ranges for type 1 diabetes (children)

• Before meals: 4 to 8 mmol/l
• 2 hours after meals: under 10 mmol/l

However, those that are able to, may wish to keep blood sugar levels below the NICE after meal targets.

Access to blood glucose test strips
The NICE guidelines suggest that people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes should be offered:

• structured education to every person and/or their carer at and around the time of diagnosis, with annual reinforcement and review
• self-monitoring of plasma glucose to a person newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes only as an integral part of his or her self-management education

Therefore both structured education and self-monitoring of blood glucose should be offered to people with type 2 diabetes. Read more on getting access to blood glucose testing supplies.

You may also be interested to read questions to ask at a diabetic clinic

Note: This post has been edited from Sue/Ken's post to include up to date information.

 

[Lazybones]

Dear Kjj,
Welcome to the Forum and well done for all that you are doing to combat your 'diabetes'. You are not alone in your initial feeling as to this condition, we diabetic have all been there.

This is a superb site as you will find. People here are only too pleased to share their own life experiences and findings living with this 'disease' and no-one show off or boasts of their own self ego.

If you have a question then please ask, we're all here and willing to help each other.

All the best for you 'diabetic' future - Lazybones

 

[Signs]

Great positive attitude Ken. You have no idea how much that helps.
John

 

[Weens12]

Hi Ken,

Welcome!

What a fabulous positive attitude you have to your recent diagnosis. I know how you feel about being shocked...I felt exactly the same, when I was diagnosed last year. But you've bounced back with some style! :clap: You're taking the action you need to restore your health, and I have every faith that you'll do it, because you clearly demonstrate that you have the determination to do so. Brilliant!

Keep up the good work and you'll continue to improve. Come back and tell us how you're doing and ask any questions you need to.
Everybody is really friendly and supportive here.

Best wishes,
Elle.

 

[KJJ]

Thank you for all your positive replies and thank you daisy1 for the information. It is reassuring to know there are so many people here whom can offer advice when needed.

Last night pre-evening meal my glucose was as low as I had ever seen it (6.5), this morning pre-breakfast it was 6.6

I can hardly believe the change in just a short time also how much better I am feeling in myself, not constantly thirsty anymore, not as tired, no more blurred vision at night and my blood pressure has come right down to within a more normal range.

Regards,
Ken

 

[manc603]

Hi Ken,

I am recently diagnosed and joined this site a couple of weeks ago.

It's a great site with plenty of advice and support.

Congrats on reducing your levels already.

 

[Alangregory007]

Hello I was shocked to find myself diagnosed type 2 at the start of the year,after tests and a very helpfull nurse and a bossy wife I am now on 2metformin one in the morning and one at tea my blood are stable and all tests are oak,I now walk a lot now and am very sensible able with my diet all of which worked for me .best of luck with your listen to them who know ie the forum and your medical staff


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